Fury and helplessness welled up inside Theodore, like a volcano ready to erupt. He despised himself for not finding Ariana sooner, for not preventing this storm.

After a heavy silence, Theodore's voice was a dull murmur of resignation.

"When can we schedule the termination procedure?"

Ariana found herself swimming back to awareness, uncertain of how much time had passed. As the haze of unconsciousness lifted, she was enveloped in a soft peace she hadn't felt in ages. The emotional turmoil that had been her constant companion was gone.

Bits and pieces of a memory bubbled up - Theodore rushing to her side just before the world went black. She turned to look for him, but he was asleep, slumped next to her bed, weariness etched into his expression. He was out cold, like an adorable, defenseless large dog sleeping beside her.

Ariana felt a tug at her heart. She tried to touch his hair, but even her tiny movement stirred him awake. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words wouldn't form.

Theodore, however, reacted swiftly, wrapping her in a tight hug. His body trembled slightly, and Ariana hugged him back, picking up on his shaken relief and guilt.

“I'm sorry," he managed to get out, his words muffled against her shoulder.

Ariana was about to ask him what he was sorry for when she felt the telltale dampness of tears on her skin. He was crying. Gently, she pushed him away, finding his eyes red and teary as he silently Looked at her.

In that moment, he reminded her of a stray puppy she used to feed, the same sorry look in its eyes after misbehaving. Ariana didn't know what to say.

“I'm sorry," Theodore said again, his face full of regret.

Assuming he was apologizing for her kidnap ordeal, Ariana quickly reassured him, "That was Darian and Jasper who took me. It wasn't your fault."

“I shouldn't have pushed you," he replied, his voice thick with emotion.

His hand went to her stomach, and Ariana could see the pain in his eyes. She was taken aback at first, but then she remembered the soft pleas and promises she heard from him while she was almost unconscious.

She gripped his hand in shock.

"Wait, you are willing to keep our babies?"

Meeting her gaze, Theodore confirmed, "Yes, the babies can stay, as long as they don't put you at risk."

Ariana was so happy that she impulsively kissed him, her eyes welling up with joyful tears.

“Our babies wouldn't hurt me. You'll be an amazing father!"

He didn't respond but smiled gently at her as he softly stroked her hair.